The past few years have shown us how essential many workers are. We need hands-on medical care in hospitals and clinics, and we need our grocery store shelves stocked with goods delivered by trucks driven by men and women across the country.

Each October, we highlight a particular group of essential workers -- first responders.

They are the firefighters who answer the alarm whenever it comes.

They are the paramedics and emergency medical technicians who work in the "golden hour".

They are the dispatchers who decipher what's going on and send appropriate help.

They are the police officers and deputy sheriffs who protect our neighborhoods.

Each of these folks provide valuable and necessary services in pressure-packed and time-sensitive situations in efforts to protect life and property.

Their ability to do so doesn't magically appear on demand. They put in long hours training on techniques and technology. They study their craft in various educational environments and earn and maintain certifications that bolster their abilities. They prepare themselves physically and mentally to deal with whatever comes their way.

First responders are able to help the communities they serve because governmental bodies fund them with tax dollars. We encourage our elected leaders to fully support them with the resources they need.

Also, many private companies and charitable organizations support first responders with grants and monetary gifts. We appreciate their support, too.

Thursday's issue of the Southeast Missourian will highlight several of our area's first responders. Homeland Security personnel. Firefighters. Mental health care professionals working hand-in-hand with law enforcement officers. Their stories detail their qualifications and explain why they do what they do. We hope the stories provide a glimpse into their service.

Our nation's first responders live in a weird space. We recognize how important they are. We want them to be ready to answer our call. But we wish they only ever trained and were never needed in an emergency. That's not our world, though. We will need these folks. Thankfully, they prove every day and night they will be there when called upon.

We are grateful for them all.